Beni Ourain Hand Woven Pile Cartpet

Pink diamonds, yellow zigzags and red stripes, all drawn freehand across a field of cream.

This hand woven pile carpet is Beni Ourain, from the Middle Atlas, Morocco, North Africa, and dates to the 21st century. It is woven wool. Beni Ourain weavers are known for thick, shaggy carpets in natural undyed wool, often marked with dark lines, while more recent pieces have taken on brighter colors. Here a scattering of dashes and dots surrounds outlined diamonds in yellow, blue and black. One large diamond is filled in solid pink, and red verticals hang below like fringe. Long fringes trim the ends. It is 89.5 inches wide and 117 long.

Playful enough to suggest the weaver was having a good day.